Physical Science Technician; Field Assistant

Position:
Physical Science Technician (Field Assistant) within the Water Mission Area, Volcano Science Center. Salary range: $21.03 hourly (Step 01) to $27.34 hourly (Step 10), typically starting at Step 01 for new Federal hires.

• Assist in data collection projects, including prepping equipment and supplies for field work.
• Collect environmental, rock, soil, and water samples.
• Install or operate data collection equipment.
• Help prepare sediment or rock samples (crushing, grinding, sieving, weighing).
• Operate equipment to record routine measurements such as weight, pressure, temperature, pH, and chemical concentrations.
• Assist with occasional laboratory work involving acids, bases, and solvents.
• Operate a government‑owned or leased vehicle as an incidental driver.

Requires prolonged periods of standing and manual dexterity in the laboratory; field work involves moderate to strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking, digging, lifting, and driving a vehicle. Must walk, bend, climb, and lift equipment or samples up to 100 pounds, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

Field work involves moderate risks and discomforts, exposure to rain, cold/hot weather, and rapidly running or icy streams/rivers. Laboratory work involves exposure to moderate risks such as high levels of noise, vibration, dust, grease, moving machine parts, or irritant fumes and chemicals. Protective clothing, gear, and adherence to safety precautions are required.

• U.S. Citizen.
• Suitable for Federal employment as determined by background investigation.
• Valid state driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment medical exam.
• Housing will not be provided.

• Operate a government‑owned or leased vehicle during duties; proof of a valid State license and driving record required.
• Pass a pre‑employment medical examination at Federal expense due to physical demands.
• Apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment.
• Undergo a background investigation; continued employment contingent upon successful completion.

Applicants must meet one of the following for the GG‑05 level:

• 9 months field party experience.
• 3 years sub‑professional experience.
• 3 years of college study (equivalent to 90 semester hours/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of laboratory or field work experience.

Field Survey Party – Experience includes activity associated with making and recording geologic, hydrologic, biological, or topographic field observations; collecting geologic, biological, or water samples for laboratory analysis; applying accepted data collection techniques and methods in the performance of field work; and using a variety of surveying instruments and electronic or mechanical instrumentation in the making and recording of field measurements and observations.

Sub‑Professional Experience – Technical work performed in support of field or laboratory investigations in the biological, physical sciences or related disciplines, providing basic knowledge or skills in gathering, recording, and assembling scientific data; using scientific instruments to measure angles, weights; setting up and operating test apparatus; and manipulating quantitative data.

Professional Experience – Professional work experience in the physical and biological sciences, which may be credited in lieu of or in conjunction with sub‑professional experience.

Education includes paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work in national service programs. Foreign education completed outside the United States may be used if comparable to an accredited U.S. institution; documentation is required. Unofficial transcripts must be submitted. Experience gained through volunteer service also counts.

• Temporary appointees working at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days are eligible to enroll in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan.
• Eligible participants receive the full government contribution to premiums, and may also participate in Flexible Spending Accounts and Federal Long‑Term Care Insurance Program.
• Temporary appointees are not covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System and are ineligible for Federal life, dental, or vision insurance.

Criminal history inquiries. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy. Financial suitability. New employee probationary period. Privacy Act. Reasonable accommodation policy. Selective Service. Signature and false statements. Social security number request.